Mid-Ohio v5 2016

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

Looks like I could scoop up Jay in the B-port then head north on 8 till we meet you. We could continue up 8 till 34 then to 84. Of course you would know your turf better and could make a route we could take. We really should meet for lunch one day and discuss all 3 of us. I will be solo on this trip as I believe you will also (Andrew) but Jay may bring a friend. We should work this out.

Jay is as far north of 84 as I am south of it. He's near Torrington. I'm the one near Bridgeport.

Looking at the map, the most sensible thing looks like 84 to Hartford, then back roads across to Torrington for Jay, south on 8 to Trumbull for me, then back roads up to 84. From there on out it's superslab all the way... 84, 80 and on to Ohio. Google shows that route coming in at roughly 725 miles and about 12 hours of drive time. Add two hours for loading Jay and me, plus an hour or two for stops along the way.

Long day. You'd need to leave at about 4 am.

This is all doable... taking one vehicle simply means an extra two hours of driving or so (plus loading), since you're making a giant zig zag across the state of Connecticut.

We're all going to be at Palmer memorial day, so we can hash it out then.

[csmith12]

I have made the drive twice before, it's gunna be about a 10.5 haul for you guys, plus whatever time you need to load + stops. Have about $30 (each way) in cash to pass the tolls in NY & PA. 84, 80 to 71 is the route you wanna take. Your gunna get really bad gas mileage through PA because it has 3 2k elevation mountains. Once you get to Pittsburgh, it flattens out and it's straight highway through homish farmlands until Lexington OH.

Bring snacks & food for the ride, and only stop for gas. Extra stops adds a lot of time to the trip. Ask me how I know....

EDIT: The highway patrol in OH is no joke. +9 over... max. Hit cruise, relax and let the miles fly by. One of you guys run WAZE on your phone so you know where the hazards are. I am hoping you all have a very uneventful trip.

EDIT 2: If you can, leave one hour early and make one stop to just rest from driving and enjoy a destination along the way. A park, a landmark, whatever floats your boat. It gives you something to look forward to about 1/2 way through the haul. It goes a looooonnnngggg way to break the drive into 2 meaningful parts.

[Bigballsofpaint]

Ill be solo for this trip, You can prob fit 2 bikes in the bed of the truck if you want and then we can bring 5 if your rig can tow it.

I live in Torrington CT, which is basically as far north on Rt 8 as it gets (the actual highway, not back roads old rt8).

I think we should bring our normal bikes though, and then a 250 or something as a loaner in case a bike has an issue or problem. I can offer mine up as the Plan B bike. That would be 4 bikes, (R6, 2 ducatis, and an extra). But its up to you since its your rig!

Im cool with splitting everything. 1 vehicle would be AWESOME just for cost and what not, with camping this should end up being a pretty cheap trip minus the cost of the TD.

[csmith12]

I will bring my 250 so there is another spare bike to ensure a mechanical issue doesn't prevent anyone from riding.

[Ducati999]

Sounds like it is really starting to come together! I thought Jay lived in Bridgeport for some reason? Thus my earlier plan. I know exactly where Torrington is located since my sister owns a house in Winsted Ct! I don't need to bring both bikes I just thought it would be cool to have a spare but with the 2-250 that will be available (lest hope we don't need either never mind a third!) I can just bring the 748. I really like the idea of all riding together since we can talk, share the drive and keep alert/navigate. You all have seen the trailer I use so space will not be an issue. We can put Jays 250 into the bed of the truck and the 3 bigger bikes onto the trailer and pack in gear all around them. Should be plenty of room if we pack well. I need to make some time to get things moving or I wont even be ready for the end of May! My motor is still all apart and I don't even have a hitch on the truck yet! My entire life is work right now along with an infection, I just have not had the time nor strength to accomplish anything. I have to work the next 2 weekends but I still hope to make the May 8th date at Palmer. I will proably have to take the 9 but that's not so bad!

[Bigballsofpaint]

Im stones throw from Winsted, takes me 2 or 3 min to get to downtown.

Looks like you need to start wrenching! Let me know your address so I can send back that cam tool, pretty sure its still sitting on my desk.

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Im stones throw from Winsted, takes me 2 or 3 min to get to downtown.

Looks like you need to start wrenching! Let me know your address so I can send back that cam tool, pretty sure its still sitting on my desk.

I just got the rear cylinder back in and I am waiting to do the head till front is done so I can set the SQUISH! I will have time tonight (Friday) and this weekend. Should be able to get most of it done. I really want to see how the Ohlins shock I got is going to feel. I have my 999 set up pretty well but I have never had a newly rebuilt, properly sprung Ohlins shock before and I am excited/hoping I can feel the difference.


Hoping to get my first ride of the season this weekend (not on 748)

[csmith12]

^^^ @Alex, your attention is needed here please.

[Bigballsofpaint]

I wrote the address down, you can remove it if youd like! Ill try to ship it out tomorrow. Less than 2 months, time is flying by!

[Alex]

Originally Posted by csmith12

^^^ @Alex, your attention is needed here please.

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

I wrote the address down, you can remove it if youd like! Ill try to ship it out tomorrow. Less than 2 months, time is flying by!

Looks like all is well at this point?

[csmith12]

All cool, thanks.

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by Alex

Looks like all is well at this point?

Sorry,
I did not think that putting up my address on this forum would be that big a deal! Lesson learned I will not repeat! PM next time for me!

My apologies

[Alex]

No need for apology! :-) This site is very "google-able", so once that information is out there, it's hard to take back.

[SLOWn60]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

Sorry,
I did not think that putting up my address on this forum would be that big a deal! Lesson learned I will not repeat! PM next time for me!

My apologies

I know where you live

Same with phone numbers. I shudder when I see peeps post up their number on forums/Facebook etc
The vast majority of people are great but creeps & thieves have an easy time searching for targets with the data that is so easily available and searchable today! Scary stuff!

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

I know where you live

I have already subscribed him to various questionable rags.

[DEFY]

[SLOWn60]

Originally Posted by csmith12

I have already subscribed him to various questionable rags.

There is a large order arriving soon from Fredricks of Hollywood and paid for with his new credit cards!

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by SLOWn60

There is a large order arriving soon from Fredricks of Hollywood and paid for with his new credit cards!

lol... Fredricks of Hollywood, your age is showing. :P

[adouglas]

What I fear most is my dogs learning how to use the telephone and/or web browser. They've seen my credit cards and while they may look dumb, I think there's a devious streak in there somewhere.

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by csmith12

I have already subscribed him to various questionable rags.

Who's to say I don't already get most of the Questionable rags?

I got to do a ride today on the 250. Felt so nice just to get out and ride! I had some time yesterday so I finished assembly of the motor and got the subframe mounted (still need to verify it wont move!) and a few other things, then I can finish putting it back together. I am building a Racing fairing support to remove the headlight assembly. This will save a lot of weight up high and save big $$$ incase I were to go down! We just ordered a bed cover and the trailer hitch! Should be ready in 2 weeks.

[csmith12]

Bump because this is getting close enough that it needs to be on your radar if you have interest in attending.

Come for the track
Come for the fun
Come to meet some cool ninjette members
Come to learn something new
Come to see other cool people

You will find that basically there are only 2 rules here;
1. Don't force it... let it happen
2. As much as you don't like it, at some point you will have to leave

[adouglas]

Signed up yesterday.

[Bigballsofpaint]

Looks like i have to call to sign up, wouldnt let me do it online. Ill get it done today!

[csmith12]

Mid-Ohio is working on their website, in transition to a new one. They are aware of the registration issue. Calling should be no problem.

[csmith12]

Hey guys, just a fyi. That Monday I will be getting up super early. My list of things I have to do is super long, I will also most likely be working tech too along with helping riders as I normally do. Be ready for me to kinda scattered in the AM. I will try to enlist some help on Sunday. The first PTR of the season at Mid-O is always kinda crazy for the coaches.

Yea, I am getting there on Sunday at 2:30 in the afternoon.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Be ready for me to kinda scattered in the AM.

And this is unusual how, exactly?

[csmith12]

lol, true dat

[csmith12]

How is this for personal service though.

I will be teching your bikes in your pit spot. Get your registration sticker and I will take care of the rest.

[Bigballsofpaint]

I called up and registered too, cant wait!

[csmith12]

@Ducati999 Would you please ask your wife to make some of those awesome rolls she made last time. OMG... I can't believe I forgot. And... as much as she likes to take care, she is more than welcome to push me to the side at her discretion.

[Ducati999]

Sorry I have not been on here more guys! My contract is just about done and they want to keep me but there are rules. They cant keep a contractor for more than a year and since I have been there 18 months, they are having issues. Looks like I will be unemployed after Memorial Day at Palmer! That being said---it wont dampen the Ohio trip! I already set up some work for my old boss and worst possible case, I will be home for most of June (besides Ohio) and then they will renew my contract.

Now to the stuff you would rather hear: I got the 748 back together and started on Sat! Still need to do a little tweaking of the set up and a part or two but she is running and will be ready for Palmer! I have not had any time to ride this year so far but I took today off so I could get out (in the cold) and put some miles on the 999. I will have the 748 out on the road this weekend and will begin to baseline the suspension set up. I got my new rearsets on and I set it for GP shift. Might not be a good decision with so little time to learn and reprogram my brain.

I plan on calling Mid Ohio tonight and will post up once the deed is done! I still need to get a trailer hitch installed before I can even get to Palmer. Lots to do and time is running out quickly! I will be back in touch as the "need to be done" things get checked of the list.

I have plenty of room in my Garage to store both of your bikes after Palmer and they will be totally safe. We should discuss who should bring what while at Palmer as face to face will assure nothing gets forgotten. Chris, my wife said she will send me down with more "Spring Rolls" than we can eat so you can bring some home with you. She is also going to make us some sticky rice as Filipino people love to make sure you eat!

Cant wait to see you all there
@Bigballsofpaint @adouglas @csmith12

[Sirref]

alright doing some math now

I can't make both days but I'll do my best to be there Tuesday June 14th. My track schedule is insane with 2 CCS race weekends in June but I need some Mid-O in my life. Thunder Valley is calling my name

it'll be the end of 5 days straight riding/racing too so I'm gonna be in full track vacation mode hahaha
VIR to NJMP to Mid-O. Literally riding 3 of the best tracks America has to offer in the span of 5 days

[Ducati999]

@csmith12 I want to know if there is any Wifi available at the track? I know its unusual but I have my reasons (and they don't involve any thing naughty!). I want to be able to use my laptop while there and open Wifi would help but is not mandatory. With my job situation as it is I may have to do a little remote work and I want to know if I should pick up a MIFI or if it is not necessary.

[csmith12]

There is no public wifi. It's something I have been asking about for years. When? When? When? Due to the massive school changes this year, this isn't going to be the year we get it either. Also, it's not as easy as one would think, the place is quite large and will need many wifi repeaters to light up the entire 3 paddocks, and someone on staff to keep it working.

Don't sweat it much, you can piggy back off my phone's hotspot if ya need.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

With my job situation as it is I may have to do a little remote work....

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Sirref

alright doing some math now

I can't make both days but I'll do my best to be there Tuesday June 14th. My track schedule is insane with 2 CCS race weekends in June but I need some Mid-O in my life. Thunder Valley is calling my name

it'll be the end of 5 days straight riding/racing too so I'm gonna be in full track vacation mode hahaha
VIR to NJMP to Mid-O. Literally riding 3 of the best tracks America has to offer in the span of 5 days

You're starting to sound like me... I was at mid-o Sun, Mon, Tues this week and will be heading back in less than 48hrs for 3 more days. The wife is NOT pleased with the schedule this year.

[adouglas]

Chris, I'm starting to work on a list so we can pack smart.

Is pump fuel (i.e. 93) available at the track? If so, one gas can...

[csmith12]

You can ride your bike to the pumps (CC required). No can needed if you wish to buy your gas there. You should know what to expect, it's super expensive. It starts at 91 octane and goes up all the way to full on race fuel.

EDIT: The closest gas station is 3.4 miles away. We can plan a gas run if you want.

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by csmith12

You're starting to sound like me... I was at mid-o Sun, Mon, Tues this week and will be heading back in less than 48hrs for 3 more days. The wife is NOT pleased with the schedule this year.

considering the amount of days I'm doing this season I'd be surprised if I wasn't starting to sound a bit like you


plus our avatars are pretty close now

[snot]

Originally Posted by Sirref

considering the amount of days I'm doing this season I'd be surprised if I wasn't starting to sound a bit like you


plus our avatars are pretty close now

You have to go to school to learn the accent and terminology.
Congrats on picking up the extra days at the track... I am a little jelouse.